The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1887-05-20

they had most sinister and hang dog look.
One Of the two, after telling his companion
to go in and order some refreshments
brought out, sat down and asked me
in Spanish if l was going far Pre-
tending not to understand him asked If
he spoke English. He replied that he did
and then asked in English how far was
going Ireplied as far as Laguna He then
volunteered the information that he and his
companion were also bound for that place
and would keep me company. just then
the landlord, followed by dirty-looking
half-breed Indian woman, came out with
small table and tray filed with eatables.
Although had not eaten anything since
morning l was too much worried to feel
hungry. After serving the repast, which
consisted Of bottle of wine, plate Of tor
tillas, some tomales and the universal Mexi-
can dish of frijoles, the landlord went back
into the house, leaving me alone with the
stranger. CHANGING at the table, I asked
what amount they charged for meal like
that. He answered "Wona Pesos'' (S1), Civ
ing me at the same time sharp look. Pre-
tending not to understand, asked how much
was that in English. told me and said that
that price would include feed of maize for
my horse.
Remaining silent for moment, 1 then
said would like feed for my horse as well
as something to eat myself, but to tell the
truth had spent too much money at
the fandango in Paso Del Norte the
night before and hadn't the money to
pay for meal if l should order it,
although I should have plenty to spare
as soon as got to Laguna, where I had
money waiting for me. Then added: "If you
will let me have dollar or SO will give
you this knife, and as soon as we reach La
guna will redeem it and treat you and your
friend to bottle of wine in return for the
accommodation it will be to me-" The knife
I offered to him was very handsome one,
with single blade that was shaped like a
dagger, while the handle was of solid silver
richly carved. The knife had been given to
me by Chinaman, who brought it from
Cuba, and had an intrinsic value of $18 or
$40. Apparently much surprised at my re-
quest, he began to question me closely in
regard to the object of my journey, who
should get my money from when | reached
Laguna, etc. Although had never been in
Laguna, knew German named Wilhelm
Wobber that was engaged in business at that
place and so was able to answer his ques-
tons without difficulty. He then asked me
where got the knife, and on my answering
he drew out an American SIS gold piece and
handed me. I told him couldn't change
it, and all wanted was enough to pay for
what l wished to order. He laughed and
told me to keep the whole of it that would
be sorry for it later if did not. Just then
his comrade returned and, addressing the
one had been in conversation with as ell
Captain, said something in low tone that
could not hear. The captain, as I will call
him, spoke out in an angry tone and said:
Speak SO can hear you-you need not be
afraid; this Gringo (meaning me) does not
understand word of Spanish, and in place
of getting sack of money out of him, he
has got IS out of me, for the poor devil is
broke and pawned his knife with me. So
by your internal blhnder we have had
twenty-mile ride for nothing"
The other one protested that it was not his
fault; that was the man that had been
pointed out to him the evening previous as
the one that had the money. In the mean
time had ordered something to eat for both
myself and horse and sat there listening to
all that was said. From their conversation
I learned that some one who was probably
spy for them had given the information that
l wanted to send large amount of money
by the stage, but had changed my mind and
concluded to carry it myself, but the course
l pursued led them to believe that they had
got on the track of the wrong man. What
their reason was for delaying matters until
we passed the San Jose station, do not
know. If I had not thrown them off as did
they would probably have followed on behind
me until they were ready for action and the
first notice I would have had would have
been lasso thrown around my neck and
dragged from the back of my horse. After
we had eaten and rested asked the captain
it was not about time to start if we wished
to reach Laguna before dark. He commenced
to say something, then changed his mind
and said: "You had better start now, for
when we go we shall ride fast and will over
take you before you get half way there"
was only too anxious to get clear of them,
but of course 1 did not let them know of it,
SO after some questions about the road and
telling them that if should get there first
they would find me at "Wobber's," started
off, and that was the last saw of either
them or my knife. F. L. GORDON.